Beschreibung
I have witnessed 2 serious car accidents at the intersection of Alden and Willard, and just today witnessed another near miss. Traffic on Willard is required to stop, but traffic on Alden does not. The stop signs on Willard do not say "2-way stop" or "cross traffic does not stop." It would be a simple fix.
45 Kommentierens
Anerkannt Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking (Registrierter Benutzer)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Thank you Greg. Please post here with updates.
Incidentally, if you go to New Haven Independent, there is a crime log that will show you exactly where M/V violation tickets are issued. Seems pretty clear from that log that enforcement activity in this neighborhood is quite limited. Neighbors who want to see traffic enforcement should be concerned by the data on the log, and demand more attention to local quality of life enforcement.
It is easy to change the situation in a small city like this, it just takes one or two persons to make the issue a priority.
long time resident (Gast)
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
mike (Gast)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Thank you for documenting the wrecks here. This is a great way to advocate for a fix.
It would be great if the data on crashes vs. enforcement activity were easier to understand and use, so that citizens could pinpoint dangerous intersections like these.
Slowing speeds would be the most surefire way to reduce the number of crashes. If the city can't afford curb extensions, why not use temporary curb extensions like those used in many other cities?
Alyson Fox (Gast)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Installing a plaque that said cross traffic does not stop would be extremely inexpensive.
I'm not sure it would solve the problem of the crashes though -- stop signs are considered ineffective and have even been phased out in many countries because they tend to cause more crashes than they prevent:
"Vanderbilt visits with celebrated Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman, who created the "intersection heard around the world." Monderman redesigned a congested four-way crossing in the city of Drachten by basically removing all of the traffic signs. The lack of signals created uncertainty and forced drivers to slow down, cooperate with one another, and watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. It also allowed traffic to flow more smoothly."
http://www.slate.com/id/2198494
This isn't just a crazy Slate article -- much of the rest of the world has actually been using these principles for many decades now.
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
296Aldenave (Gast)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
The Dir of TT&P and I visited this corner and several others yesterday.
He will schedule the required traffic study at this intersection asap. This is the next step before anything can actually be implemented control wise. He will also try to re-stripe this intersection and a few others which won't hurt.
The City is indeed working toward a solution at this intersection. I'll keep on this and keep folks updated.
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
I think traffic engineering is more science than bureaucracy, but I understand your frustration to what seems like a simple solution.
City can't just install stop signs without car count data, official accident data, etc.; hence the study.
I'll ask about the "cross traffic doesn't stop" signs.
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
I agree with Alyson there should be no reason to delay this.
If it is taking this long, perhaps our policies should be reviewed. In many cases in other cities, responsive safety improvements are made within 24 hours of a serious accident but I think it has to do with having stronger monitoring and policies.
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
who cares? (Gast)
E (Registrierter Benutzer)
I live in the area - the worst part IS when all the people park along the sides. Its impossible to see traffic - and I do several looks before proceeding over Alden. Installing 2 stop signs is CHEAP and SMART to do - so what is the freaking hold up? Arent lives important? Come on now!
And for the record, people illegally park along there ALL THE TIME beyond the legal limits...even double parking when picking up their spawns. Parents are the WORST!
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Has there been any progress on this sign?
I was talking today to someone from out of town and they were astonished that you would have a situation like this without at least the warning (two way stop) placards.
Is this really how we want people to view our city?
MLM (Gast)
E (Registrierter Benutzer)
Concerned Alden Ave neighbor (Gast)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
E
It would be good if you called and/or emailed the Dir of TT&P.
I have been told that a study must be done before stop signs can be added.
also, please email me directly so we can chat.
E (Gast)
Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking (Registrierter Benutzer)
E (Registrierter Benutzer)
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
Here's the latest:
The initial results did not support a four-way stop. This was a review based on the volume data only. We [TT&P] will now check crash or other factors which would warrant a stop sign. Yes, we did initiate a project to do the crosswalks. I hope this helps in the interim.
Alyson Fox (Gast)
Thanks for the update Greg. Unfortunate to hear. Interesting note - the counters were there during a vacation month when the school on the block was not in session and many residents were out of town. Did DOT share any information with you on what level of volume necessitates a 4-way stop? I'm curious why other intersections have 4-ways stops at intersections that are not thorough-ways like Alden Avenue is.
The easiest next best solution, as I suggested in the very beginning, DOT can attach signs to the existing stop signs that say "Cross traffic does not stop." I've seen these elsewhere. Is this a solution that DOT can do?
And yes, have seen the cross walks, thanks.
E (Registrierter Benutzer)
Michelle (Gast)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
TT&P is still awaiting additional warrant data.
I will check in with them this week.
FYI, there have also been 2 significant accidents at light controlled neighborhood intersections (Alden/Edgewood & Central/Edgewood) in the past couple weeks.
Signs and controls are not the entire solution.
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Please also see http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/2017-lack-of-stop-signs - very similar reports and promises from TTP to investigate.
The in street traffic calming / pedestrian sign systems that were described on other threads need to be kept in place year round at this location, as other cities with more snow do. If that's not possible, a more permanent median system to slow traffic should be constructed.
If speeding and disregard for pedestrian safety continues to be an issue here, the neighborhood should fill out and submit a "complete streets" request form at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Engineering/completestreets.asp. Getting these types of requests on the official public record will really help the city improve the safety of these crossings over time, while significantly raising property values. If you need help completing the form itself you may want to contact your local alderperson or newhavensafestreets at gmail.com.
I would be happy to fill out the form.
As others suggest, I would like to see pedestrian medians and other traffic calming systems here, like the one in the attached photo, because of their ability to slow traffic and promote safe pedestrian crossing year-round, not just when the signs can be put in place.
If funding is not sufficient to build a median, a temporary one can be constructed (like much of Boston does) using sand barrels, etc.
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Neighbor (Gast)
E (Registrierter Benutzer)
CT Livable Streets Campaign (Registrierter Benutzer)
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
I had TT&P interim director confirm they've received the warrant study results. They have and it failed. I'll link to the report on my blog soon.
So, 4-way stop signs are NOT on the table.
I do indeed intend to submit a Complete Streets request form. We must now submit a suggestion other than a 4-way stop from the Complete Streets manual.
The manual is available as a pdf on the city's website here:
http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Engineering/completestreets.asp
Please email me directly with suggestions. I'm leaning toward "tools" that enhance ped crossing visibility and slow traffic by physically narrowing the roadway (ie "road diet).
Perhaps consider "Crossing Islands" as depicted in the Manual and on my blog.
http://dildine25.blogspot.com/p/westville-complete-streets-project-list.html
email: alderman@dildine25.org
-Greg
Greg Dildine (former Ward 25 Alderman) (Registrierter Benutzer)
Please no more dialogue here. Let's be pro-active and use the Complete Streets process now.
Thanks.